“Tlingit Halibut Hooks” and “Basic Digital Photography” are among upcoming classes offered through Haines Community Education, the evening program of adult education and recreation offered through Haines Borough School District.
John Hagen of Haines is the director of the program that also manages “open gym” sessions five days a week and cultivates education programs of interest in the community.
“I can help people get their GEDs and even arrange potential tutors for that,” Hagen said. Hagen’s office, on the left after entering the school’s main entrance, is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Carver Jim Heaton is teaching carving classes, and recently offered sessions in tool-making. Halibut-hook class runs six weeks starting Nov. 1. Carvers of all skill levels are welcome and two more carving sessions will be offered in 2013, Hagen said.
Digital photography will be taught by Ron Horn, with four weekly classes starting Nov. 5 in the high school computer room. A woodworking class is under way and will be offered again next semester, along with a metalworking course, he said.
“I’m looking at getting a couple more art classes going and I’m also interested in pursuing a class in financial literacy,” he said. The program is open to suggestions about future classes from students or potential teachers, he said. Classes can be for just one session or a weekend, he said.
Open gym sessions run 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays and volleyball Mondays and Wednesdays. The weight room and showers are each open daily. Rates are $1 for students and $2 for non-students. Punch passes are available.
Hagen said he wants to develop a weight room orientation program so users can use equipment safely and effectively.
Open gym also is offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays, but turnout has been sparse, he said. “It’s not popular right now, so it’s probably going to change. There’s no use having the facility open when people aren’t using it.”
The program also arranges for rentals of the cafeteria and other school facilities. Call Hagen at 766-6727.